by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen March 25, 2008 4:25 PM
Filed Under: European, Renault
Renault proudly presented the GT model of their successful Laguna range at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, time to bring further details of the sporty Laguna.
The new Renault Laguna has already been ordered by more than 50,000 people across Western Europe, allowing Renault to grab a larger market share in spite of the renewed models in the shrinking segment.
The new Renault Laguna GT Saloon and Estate is powered by either a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 205 hp or a 2.0 liter dCi diesel putting out 180 hp. Top speed is clocked at 232 km/h for the saloon while the estate managed 222 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h should take the saloon about 8 seconds while the estate requires about 8,5 seconds.
But more interesting than the bespoke engines is the Active Drive chassis. This new chassis features a four-wheel-steering system (4WS) to give the driver more manoeuvrability and steering precision. In the city the Active Chassis delivers a shorter turning circle, namely 10.80 meters, the same as the Renault Clio.
The new Renault Laguna GT is scheduled to go on sale in France early next month, with the rest of Europe following this summer.
RENAULT LAGUNA GT : INTENSE PLEASURE AND ABSOLUTE EFFICACY
Stylish, expressive Renault Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering (4WS), developed jointly by Renault and Renault Sport Technologies to yield the ultimate in driving pleasure, as regards handling, response and precision. Its sporty calling is further enhanced by the availability of two exclusive, high-performance engines (180hp/131kW and 205hp/150kW). Thanks to its combination of advanced driving pleasure at an affordable price with a three- year/150,000km warranty, Renault Laguna GT stands out as an innovative offer in the sports saloon market.
Five months after its release, almost 42,000 Renault Lagunas have already been sold in 30 countries. In western Europe, 51,125 orders have already been taken, the majority of which have specified diesel power (87 per cent) and top-end equipment levels (Dynamique: 43 per cent; Privilège: 19 per cent; Initiale: 12 per cent). Since the start of 2008, Renault Laguna's market share has grown constantly, fuelled by the Estate version (already six per cent of the D segment in western Europe as of end-February). Despite the massive wave of model renewals recently, this segment continues to erode at an average yearly rate of six per cent.
The GT version of Renault Laguna, which is powered by two bespoke engines, places the accent on enjoyment and efficiency to deliver outstanding yet reassuring and pleasurable on- road performance, an experience to which its even more precise and responsive chassis and accomplished four-wheel steering technology amply contributes. With quality an overriding concern throughout its design and production, Renault Laguna ensures a reassuring ride for all occupants thanks to its class-topping active and passive safety and a raft of practical features. Meanwhile, Renault Laguna GT's crisp, distinctive styling belies its top-end positioning within the Laguna range in terms of technology and powerplants. Available in saloon and estate form with a three-year or 150,000km warranty, Renault Laguna GT goes
on sale in France from April 12 and then gradually across the majority of Europe by the summer of 2008.
I hate the looks of this thing :F It is absolutely and completely ugly! And the new C5 isn't any better.. Nowadays the nice-looking cars come from Japan.
the C5 isnt better?! the new C5 is great. Citroen have come a long way and have great design lines. the laguna is nice, definately different but keeping within the design similarities of the laguna it replaces. good car! as for japeneese cars, yes they are doing a good job but what about the accord? it may have won a lot of awards, but it looks like the old one with just new headlights. - not literally, but you know what i mean! the interior on that is really nice though!
